Piercings are a popular form of self-expression, but they can come with their fair share of complications. Infections, bumps, and irritation are just a few of the issues that can arise.
While there are many products on the market designed to treat these problems, some people turn to natural remedies like neem oil. But is neem oil actually good for piercings?
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of neem oil and how it can help with piercing-related issues. So, if you’re a piercing enthusiast or just curious about natural remedies, keep reading!
Is Neem Oil Good For A Piercings?
Neem oil is derived from the neem tree, which is native to India and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular choice for treating various skin conditions.
When it comes to piercings, neem oil can be beneficial in several ways. Its antibacterial properties can help eliminate harmful bacteria that can cause infections, while its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe the area and reduce swelling.
Additionally, neem oil can help drain pus from an infected piercing, which can speed up the healing process. It’s also a natural moisturizer, which can prevent dryness and irritation around the piercing.
What Is Neem Oil And How Does It Work?
Neem oil is a natural oil derived from the seeds of the neem tree. It contains fatty acids, antioxidants, and antimicrobial compounds that have been shown to benefit the skin in a range of ways. These compounds can help fight skin infections, promote wound healing, and combat signs of skin aging.
When used on piercings, neem oil can help to prevent and treat infections by eliminating harmful bacteria. It can also reduce inflammation and soothe the area around the piercing. Neem oil is also a natural moisturizer, which can help prevent dryness and irritation around the piercing.
To use neem oil on piercings, it’s important to purchase an organic, 100% pure, cold-pressed neem oil. Before using it on your face or body, do a patch test on your arm to ensure that you don’t have an allergic reaction. For best results, mix neem oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil before applying it to larger areas of the face or body, or on sensitive skin.
Benefits Of Neem Oil For Piercings
Neem oil has a range of benefits for piercings. Here are some of the most notable:
1. Antibacterial properties: Neem oil is a powerful antibacterial agent that can help eliminate harmful bacteria that can cause infections around the piercing. This is especially important during the healing process, when the piercing is more susceptible to infection.
2. Anti-inflammatory properties: Neem oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and inflammation around the piercing. This can help alleviate discomfort and speed up the healing process.
3. Drainage of pus: If an infected piercing is oozing pus, neem oil can help drain it out. This can help speed up the healing process and prevent further infection.
4. Moisturizing properties: Neem oil is a natural moisturizer that can help prevent dryness and irritation around the piercing. This is important because dryness and irritation can slow down the healing process.
5. Natural alternative: Neem oil is a natural alternative to chemical-based products that can be harsh on the skin. It’s gentle yet effective, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
How To Use Neem Oil For Piercings
Before using neem oil on your piercing, it’s important to make sure the area is clean and dry. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use neem oil for piercings:
1. Clean the piercing: Use a sterile saline solution or mild soap and water to clean the piercing and surrounding area. Make sure to dry it thoroughly.
2. Apply neem oil: Using a clean cotton swab or q-tip, apply a small amount of neem oil directly onto the piercing and surrounding area. Gently massage the oil into the skin.
3. Let it absorb: Allow the neem oil to absorb into the skin for at least 10-15 minutes before touching or covering the area.
4. Repeat as needed: You can apply neem oil to your piercing up to three times per day, depending on the severity of the infection or irritation.
It’s important to note that neem oil has a strong odor, so you may want to use it in a well-ventilated area or before bed. Additionally, if you experience any adverse reactions or your symptoms worsen, stop using neem oil and seek medical attention.
Precautions To Take When Using Neem Oil For Piercings
While neem oil can be beneficial for piercings, there are some precautions to take when using it. Firstly, it is important to use organic, cold-pressed neem oil that has a cloudy, yellow-brown color and a strong odor. This ensures that the oil is pure and free from any harmful additives.
Before applying neem oil to the piercing, it is recommended to perform a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any allergic reactions or irritation. If the skin becomes red, inflamed, or itchy, dilute the neem oil further by adding more water or liquid soap.
It is also important to only apply neem oil as a complementary treatment and not as a replacement for your piercer’s recommended cleansing process. Using neem oil in excess can lead to clogging of pores and may cause further irritation.
Lastly, neem oil should not be used on open wounds or on piercings that are still in the initial healing process. It is best to wait until the piercing has fully healed before using neem oil as a long-term preventative measure.
Other Natural Remedies For Piercing Care
Apart from neem oil, there are other natural remedies that can be used for piercing care. Tea tree oil is a popular choice due to its antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to prevent infection and reduce swelling in the initial healing process, as well as long-term to minimize irritation and prevent infection.
Salt water soaks are another effective home remedy for piercing care. They can help clean the area and promote healing by removing debris and promoting drainage of fluids. To make a salt water soak, boil some water in a container and add some salt to it. Let it cool and then apply it over your piercing with a cotton ball.
Turmeric is also a great natural remedy for piercing infections due to its anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties. Simply mix a pinch of turmeric in warm water and apply it over the infected part of the ear with a cotton ball.
Neem paste can also be used on infected piercing spots due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Boil a handful of neem leaves in water until you notice the green color. Use this solution to apply on the infected parts of the ear or alternatively, use the neem paste on the piercing spots.
Lastly, ice cubes can be used to reduce itchiness and irritation around the infected area. Simply apply ice cubes gently over the infected area for relief.
It’s important to note that while these natural remedies can be effective for piercing care, they should not be used as a substitute for proper aftercare recommended by your piercer. If an infection becomes serious or symptoms worsen, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
